Faculty

Education

B.A., 1995, University of Vermont
M.S., 1997, Northeastern University
Ph.D., 2009, New York University

Rachel Wolf, Ph.D. CCC-SLP is department Chair and professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at East Stroudsburg University. She completed her Ph.D.at New York University in 2009. Her published research examines pragmatic repetition in normal and disordered verbal discourse. Current research has focused on the impact of disorder, specifically ASD, and variations in sociolinguistic characteristics on pragmatics and discourse. Additional research on test validity across populations is being conducted.

Student Group Advising

Autism Speaks U at ESU

Curriculum Vitae

Education

B.S. 1982, East Stroudsburg State College
M.S. 1987, Bloomsburg University
Ph.D., 2010, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Dr. Batson-Magnuson teaches adult neurogenic courses on topics including aphasia, cognitive communicative disorders, and dysphagia. Her research includes the language and cognitive-linguistic correlates in patients with rheumatic disease, service-learning, the interaction of oral language and print literacy and test validity.

Teaching Interest

Dr. Batson-Magnuson has a broad range of teaching interests in adult neurogenic communication disorders including the assessment and treatment of aphasia, the effectiveness of group and individual therapy, recovery from traumatic brain injury, and swallowing disorders evaluation and treatment. In addition to adult neurogenics, Dr. Batson-Magnuson's teaching focuses on the development of literacy skills and the role of the school speech-language pathologist.

Research Interest

Dr. Batson-Magnuson's research interests include the language and cognitive-linguistic performance of individuals with rheumatic diseases, the validity of preschool speech and language screeners, the impact of service learning on student knowledge and performance, and on the relationship between oral language and print literacy.

strong>Service

Dr. Batson-Magnuson is the co-coordinator of Engaged Scholarship-Service Learning Initiative Committee and a member of the Committee for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the Green Committee. She initiated and facilitates the Aphasia and TBI Support Group in the ESU Speech and Hearing Center. She presents on various topics for local school districts and organizations.

Student Group Advising

While Dr. Batson-Magnuson currently does not advise student groups, she actively mentors undergraduate students through the honors thesis process and acts as thesis chair for graduate students.

Publications & Presentations

Peer Reviewed Publications:

Sockman, B. R., Carducci, O. M., Clossey, L., Batson-Magnuson, L., White, G., Wehmeyer, A., Wells, H., & Rauch, G. (2017). Service-learning experiences promote the university strategic mission regardless of discipline or matriculation level. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2016). An analysis of the relationship between phonological and non-phonological language and early reading development. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 1-11. doi:10.1177/1525740116644891

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2015). Comparison of the predictive validity of the DIAL-R and DIAL-3 for subsequent special education eligibility. Psychology and Education, 52, 24-37.

Invited Article Publication:

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2013). Traumatic brain injury and aging. Perspectives on Gerontology, January 2013.

Accepted Proposal (Book Chapter):

Sockman, B. R., Carducci, O., Clossey, L., Green, B., Batson-Magnuson, L., Mazure, D. & White, G. (in press, 2017). Using systems thinking to establish and sustain service-learning experiences with university -community partnerships. Springer/AECT Systems Thinking and Change major reference work volume.

Batson-Magnuson, L. & Clossey, L. (in press, 2019). Service Learning. Chapter in First Year Experience: Text Book. Cognella

National Refereed Presentations:

Dillmuth-Miller, S., Batson-Magnuson, L., Doll, E., & Adams, K. (2018, November). Audiological Correlates in Rheumatic Diseases.

Dillmuth-Miller, S., Batson-Magnuson, L., & Scheidell, S. (2018, November). Concussion and Hearing Loss: Does the sport you play matter?

Batson-Magnuson, L., Wolf, R., & Doll, E. (2017, November). Classification Validity of the Preschool Language Scale 5 Screening Test. Presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention, Los Angeles, CA.

Batson-Magnuson, L., & Magnuson, R. (2017, November). Relax! Taoism, the speech-language pathologist and the 100 acre wood. Presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention, Los Angeles, CA.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2015, November) Seminar on the Cognitive-Linguistic Correlates of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention in Denver, CO.

Batson-Magnuson, L. & Dillmuth-Miller, S. (2015, November) Audiological Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus. Presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention in Denver, CO.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2014, November). Classification validity of the DIAL-R & DIAL-3 for 1st grade reading performance. Presented at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention, Orlando, Fla.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2014, November). Traumatic brain injury: Delayed sequela and the impact of aging. Presentation at the American Speech Language and Hearing Association National Convention, Orlando, Fla.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2013, November). Phonological and non-phonological language skills as predictors of early reading performance. Presentation at American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Convention, Chicago: Ill.

State Refereed Presentations:

Batson-Magnuson, L. (April, 2019). Word Finding and Executive Functioning in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Presented at the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Lancaster, PA.

Batson-Magnuson, L., Dillmuth-Miller, S., Wolf, R., Hess, C., Farrand, D., & Lawson, T. (April, 2019). Service Learning: The Best We Have to Offer. Presented at the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Lancaster, PA.

Batson-Magnuson, L. & Gregas, C. (April, 2019). Prospective Analysis of Memory Performance in Patients with Lyme Disease. Presented at the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Lancaster, PA.

Batson-Magnuson, L., Dillmuth-Miller, S., Doll, E., & Adams, K. (2018, April). Cognitive and language performance in rheumatic disease: A preliminary study. Presented at the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Pittsburg, PA.

Dillmuth-Miller, S., Batson-Magnuson, L., Doll, E., & Adams, K. (2018, April). Audiological manifestations of inflammatory diseases. Presented at the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Pittsburg, PA.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2016, April). Classification validity of the Preschool Language Scale – 5 Screening Test. Presented at the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, Pittsburg, PA.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2015, April). Improved Vocal Cord Function and Reduced Pneumonia Recurrence Following LSVT. Presented at the Pennsylvania State Speech Language and Hearing Association Convention, Harrisburg, PA.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2015, April). Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and the Speech-Language Pathologist. Presented at the Pennsylvania State Speech Language and Hearing Association Convention, Harrisburg, PA.

Batson-Magnuson, L. (2014, April). Traumatic brain injury: Delayed sequela and the impact of aging. Presentation at the Pennsylvania State Speech Language and Hearing Association Convention, Pittsburgh, PA.

Education

B.S., 1991. Bloomsburg University
M.A., 1993, University of Cincinnati
Au.D., 2008, Salus University

Dr. Dillmuth-Miller is the clinical audiologist in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. She provides hearing evaluations, counseling for Assistive devices, and auditory processing evaluations to students, staff, and the community. She teaches Introduction to Audiology, Assistive Technology, Clinical Audiology, Auditory-Based Communication Disorders, Introduction to Sign Language, and Advanced Sign Language.

Teaching Interest

Audiology, Assistive Technology, Cochlear Implants, Sign Language, Aural Rehabilitation

Research Interest

Educational Audiology, Auditory markers in concussion, Auditory manifestations in rheumatoid disease.

Service

Hear 4 You, Facilitator to a support group for deaf and hard of hearing ESU students, Hearing Screenings to the campus and community, Educational Audiology Association, Executive Board, Pennsylvania Alexander Graham Bell, Executive Board, Stroudsburg Lion's Club Consultant to the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Club, University Senate, Executive Board, Student Conduct Board, Accessibility Task Force

Student Group Advising

ESU Sign Language Club

Publications & Presentations

Dillmuth-Miller S. & Batson-Magnuson L. (2019 October). “Audiological and Cognitive Manifestations in Rheumatoid Disease”. Canadian Audiology Association, Halifax, Novia Scotia*

Dillmuth-Miller S., Rodgers A., Lyons B. & Hawley E. (2019 April). “Cochlear Implant Awareness and Knowledge Amongst Healthcare Professionals”. Pennsylvania Speech Hearing Language Association State Conference, Lancaster, PA.

Dillmuth-Miller S. & Shuey E. (2019 April). “Sudden-Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Audiologist and Patient Perspectives.” Pennsylvania Speech Hearing Language Association State Conference, Lancaster, PA.

Batson-Magnuson L., Dillmuth-Miller S., Wolf R., Lawson T., Ferrar D., & Hess C. (2019 April). “Service Learning: The Best We Have to Offer”. Pennsylvania Speech Hearing Language Association State Conference, Lancaster, PA.

Dillmuth-Miller S. (2018 December). Upskilling for the Educational Audiologist and Teacher of the Deaf. Victorian Deaf Institute, Melbourne, Australia*.

Scheidell S., Dillmuth-Miller S. & Magnuson L. (2018 Nov.). “Concussion and Hearing Loss. Does the Sport you Play Matter?” To be presented at The American Speech Hearing Language Association Conference, Boston, MA.

Education

B.S., 1986, Jersey City State College
M.S., 2004, East Stroudsburg University

Education

B.Sc., 1997, Mysore University
M.A., 1999, Annamalai University
M.Sc., 2001, Bangalore University
Ph.D., 2018, Columbia University

Akila T. Rajappa, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S is an Associate Professor at Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program at College of Health Sciences, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Rajappa is passionate about teaching and researching scientific topics related to neuroscience, medical speech pathology, psychophysics and research methods. Her primary research interests are two-fold, basic science and clinical research. In terms of basic science, her interests lie in understanding neural mechanisms of airway protective disorders (cough/swallow) and exploring sensory perception of upper airway stimuli, specifically cough stimuli through the science of psychophysics. In terms of clinical practice, she is interested in evaluating evidence-based practice (EBP), community out-reach and service-learning initiatives in speech, swallowing and cough rehabilitation for aging, stroke and neurodegenerative disease population. Dr. Rajappa has been a practicing clinician for many years across many clinical settings and is a Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S). She is also interested in clinical service delivery in multicultural population and has served in the capacity of President of Asian Indian Caucus (AIC), a multicultural constituency group of American Speech-Language & Hearing Association (ASHA). Outside of school and work, Dr. Rajappa enjoys performing Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance, swimming and spending quality time with her family.

Teaching Interest

Graduate Courses: SPPA 562: Dysphagia, SPPA 569: Motor Speech Disorders, SPPA 583: Caseload Management in Medical Speech-Language Pathology, SPPA 549: Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology, SPPA 550: Advanced Clinical Practicum

Undergraduate Courses: SPPA 414: Neurobiological Bases of Communication and Swallowing, SPPA 121: Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders

Research Interest

Understanding sensory perception of upper airway stimuli through the science of psychophysics, Understanding neural mechanisms of airway protective behaviors (Swallow and Cough), Exploring cross systems effects of voice, swallowing and respiration, Evidence based practice in dysphagia, dystussia and dysarthria rehabilitation, Clinical service delivery in multicultural population, Utilization of service-learning pedagogy for dysphagia prevention in community

Service

Executive Member, Student Association Committee, Dysphagia Research Society (DRS), Executive Board Advisor, Asian Indian Caucus (AIC, a multicultural constituency group of ASHA), Editor, Journal of Dr. S.R. Chandrasekar Institute of Speech and Hearing (Journal Dr.SRCISH), Bengaluru, India, Executive Member, Public Relations Committee, American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (ABSSD), Past President, AIC, a multicultural constituency group of ASHA, Past Editor, ASHA KIRAN, a newsletter published by AIC

Student Group Advising

Undergraduate Student Advisor

Publications & Presentations

Peer-Reviewed:

Rajappa, A. T and Troche, M.T (2018). Validating Urge-to-cough as a descriptor of cough sensations. Manuscript in preparation for Frontiers in Respiratory Physiology Journal.

Rajappa, A. T., Troche, M. S., Sung, K., Huber, J.E (2018). Use of SpeechVive via Mobile Telehealth Service Delivery Model to Treat Hypophonia in Parkinson’ Disease: A Pilot Study. Manuscript in preparation for Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Journal.

Rajappa, A. T., Soriano, K. R., Ziemer, C., Troche, M. S., Malandraki, J. B., & Malandraki, G. A. (2017). Reduced Maximum Pitch Elevation Predicts Silent aspiration of Small Liquid Volumes in Stroke Patients. Frontiers in Neurology, 8, 436.

Rajappa, A.T., & Malandraki, G. A. (2016). The Neural Control of Oropharyngeal Somatosensation and Taste: A Review for Clinicians. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 1(13), 48-55.

Malandraki, G. A., Rajappa, A.T., Kantarcigil, C., Wagner, E., Ivey, C., & Youse, K. (2016). The Intensive Dysphagia Rehabilitation Approach applied to Patients with Neurogenic Dysphagia: A Case Series Design Study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97(4), 567-574.

Mishra, A., Rajappa, A.T., Tipton, E., & Malandraki, G. A. (2015). The Recline Exercise: Comparisons with the Head Lift Exercise in Healthy Adults. Dysphagia, 30(6), 730-737.

DeFabrizio, M. E., & Rajappa, A.T. (2010). Contemporary Approaches to Dysphagia Management, The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 6(8), 622-630.

Other Publications:

Rajappa, A.T., Faroqi Shah, Y., Biran, A., Eswaran, P., Mohan, R., AnanthaKrishnan, S., Sudarsanam, P., & Biran, S., (2018). Get to Know Your Asian Indian Caucus, ASHA Leader Blog (Feb, 2018).

Oral Presentations:

Malandraki, G., Malandraki, J.B., Rajappa, A.T., and Kantarcigil, C. (2018). Four years of applying the Intensive Dysphagia Rehabilitation (IDR) approach: A Personalized Neuroplasticity-Driven Swallowing Training, 2018 ASHA Convention, Boston, MA

Troche, M.S., Perry, S.E., Rajappa, A.T., Curtis, J.A., Sevitz, J., and Thomas, P. (2018). Tools for Guiding Clinical Decision-Making in Neurogenic Dysphagia: Grand Rounds, 2018 ASHA Convention, Boston, MA.

Rajappa, A.T., and Troche, M.S (2018) Identifying a descriptor for cough sensations. 25th International Society for Advancement in Respiratory Psychophysiology (ISARP), Gainesville, FL

Rajappa, A. T., Troche, M. S., Sung, K., Huber, J.E (2017). Use of SpeechVive via Mobile Telehealth Service Delivery Model to Treat Hypophonia in Parkinson’ Disease: A Pilot Study, 2017 ASHA Convention, LA.

Brandimore, A.E., Hegland, K.W., Rajappa, A.T, Davenport, P., & Troche, M.S. (2016). The Influence of Aging and Parkinson’s disease on the Perception of Cough Stimuli. 2016 International Society for Respiratory Psychophysiology (ISARP) Meeting, Seattle, Washington.

Cornish, N., Gillispie, M., Rajappa, A.T., Rosa Lugo, L., Seeley, L., Vertz, S., Williams, R., & Yu, Betty (2016). The Unique Perspectives, Collective Voice and Varied Contributions of the ASHA Multicultural Constituency Groups, 2016 ASHA Convention, Philadelphia, PA.

Malandraki, G.A, Rajappa, A.T, Youse, K., Kantarcigil, C., and Wagner, E. (2014). Boot Camp for Dysphagia Rehabilitation, 2014 ASHA Convention, Orlando, FL.

Poster Presentations:

Georgopoulos, V.C., Rajappa, A. T., Soriano, K., Zeimer, C., & Malandraki, G.A. (2019). Feasibility of a Neural Network in Predicting Aspiration Severity Post Supratentorial Stroke, Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) Annual Meeting (2019), San Diego, CA.

Rajappa, A.T., Soriano, R Kristie., Ziemer, Courtney., Malandraki Bauer, Jaime., Troche, Michelle S., & Malandraki, Georgia A (2017). Reduced Pitch Elevation Correlates with Airway Invasion in patients with Neurogenic Dysphagia. 2017 Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) Meeting, Portland, Oregon.

Brandimore, A.E., Hegland, K.W., Rajappa, A., & Troche, M.S. (2016). The Influence of Aging and Parkinson’s disease on the Perception of Cough Stimuli, ASHA 2016 Convention, Philadelphia, PA.

Rajappa, A., Soriano, K., Zeimer, C., and Malandraki, G. (2016). The Relationship between Vocal Pitch Elevation and Aspiration: Adding to the Evidence. 2016 Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) Meeting, Tucson, Arizona.

Mishra, A., Rajappa, A., Tipton, E., and Malandraki, G. (2015). The Recline Exercise: Comparison with the Head Lift Exercise in Healthy Adults, 2015 Dysphagia Research Society (DRS) Meeting, Chicago, Illinois.

Mishra, A., Rajappa, A., Tipton, E., and Malandraki, G. (2014). The Modified Shaker Exercise: Preliminary Effects on Submental Muscle activity and Strength. 2014 ASHA Convention, Orlando, Florida.

Mishra, A., Rajappa, A.T., and Malandraki, G. (2014). Feeding and Swallowing Behaviors in Children with Congenital or Acquired Hemiplegia: A Pilot Observational Study, NYSSLHA Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY

Rajappa, A.T. (2014). The Utility of Vocal Pitch Elevation in Identification of Dysphagia, Deans Grant for Student Research Symposium, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY.

Rajappa, A. T. (2010). Sensory NMES on a Patient with Chronic Severe Dysphagia, 2010 ASHA Convention, Philadelphia, PA.